Jumper Tube Connector/Connection Apparatus and Method

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of a jumper tube connection assembly generally include a retention clip having beveled and locking surfaces, a retention clip frame, and a biasing means, wherein the clip is restrained partially within the frame and is pivotable in response to a jumper connector contacting the beveled surface during shunt tube engagement therewith, and wherein the biasing means positions the locking surface to prevent jumper connector reverse movement. Other embodiments generally include a retention clip having a locking component, a retention clip support, and a biasing means, wherein the clip is restrained partially within the support and is pivotable in response to force biasing the locking component away from a shunt tube during jumper connector engagement therewith, wherein upon force cessation the biasing means positions the locking component in engagement with a jumper connector orifice, thereby preventing disengagement thereof from the shunt tube. Methods of utilizing the embodiments are also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/169,944, filed Jun. 1, 2016, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Applications Nos. 62/170,580, filed on Jun.3, 2015, and 62/310,999, filed Mar. 21, 2016, which applications are allincorporated herein by reference as if reproduced in full below.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods ofcontrolling fluid flow in a well bore. More specifically, the presentinvention addresses apparatuses and methods of connecting shunt tubesand leak-off tubes used in completion operations.

BACKGROUND

Down-hole completion operations commonly require filter screens torestrain flow of sand and particulates existing in the well environmentfrom entering pipe openings. In a common application, shunt tubes areutilized exterior of a base pipe to provide fluid communication downholeindependent of flow through the base pipe.

As presently practiced, jumper tubes are provided at connections of thebase pipe sections. Jumper tubes provide fluid connection of a shunttube on a pipe section to a corresponding shunt tube attached to anabutting pipe section. Jumper tubes are installed after connection ofpipe sections.

Generally, for adjoining pipe sections, shunt tube ends are aligned whenpipe sections are connected. The jumper tube is inserted betweenrespective shunt tube ends. The jumper tube has a connector at each endcomprising a telescoping tube section slideable on the jumper tube. Eachtelescoping tube section is extended to cover a corresponding shunt tubeend. Seals are provided intermediate the telescoping sections andcorresponding jumper tube sections, and intermediate the telescopingsections and corresponding shunt tube ends to provide a contained fluidflow path from a shunt tube through a jumper tube to the nextcorresponding shunt tube.

Traditionally, set screws are used to retain a telescoping tube sectionto a corresponding shunt tube end and to retain a telescoping tube endto a corresponding jumper tube. Exemplary jumper tube connectorsutilizing set screws are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,497,267 toSetterberg, Jr. and U.S. Pat. No. 7,886,819 to Setterberg, Jr. In oneknown technology, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2013/0220606, removable “snap-on clips” may be utilized to secure ajumper tube connector. Each of these jumper connector retainingmechanisms, however, requires the use of separate components that mustbe provided and individually installed.

By another technology, as is disclosed in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0240572, which application is incorporated hereinby reference as if reproduced in full below, jumper tube connectors aresecured by means of a retainer ring segment disposed on the interior ofa shroud assembly utilized to protect the jumper tube connectorassembly.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention comprise a jumper tube connectorassembly and/or jumper tube connection assembly. In one embodiment, ajumper tube connector assembly comprises a jumper tube and two fastenersbiased toward the jumper tube. In one embodiment, the jumper tubeconnector assembly further comprises two connectors, the connectorsslideable on the jumper tube. In one embodiment, in an un-installedposition, each fastener at least partially covers and is biased againstthe exterior of a connector, wherein upon slidably engaging theconnector with a shunt tube, i.e., an installed position, the connectorceases to be disposed between the fastener and the jumper tube, and aportion of a bottom surface of the fastener is biased proximate thejumper tube, whereby an end surface of the fastener is disposed suchthat the connector is prevented from moving in a direction toward thefastener.

In one embodiment, a jumper tube connection assembly comprises a shunttube and two fasteners affixed, directly or indirectly, to the shunttube, wherein the fasteners comprise opposingly oriented retention clipseach comprising a locking surface and disposed such that upon axiallymovement of a connector there between, the retention clips are biasedapart, and circumferential engagement of the connector with the shunttube by movement of the connector in one direction allows the lockingsurfaces to prevent axial movement of the connector in the oppositedirection.

In another embodiment, a jumper tube connection assembly comprises ashunt tube and one or more fasteners affixed, directly or indirectly, tothe shunt tube, wherein the fasteners comprise pin-locking retentionclips each comprising a spring-loaded pin for connection to a jumperconnector and disposed such that upon biasing the pin away from theshunt tube (or shunt tube extended), axial movement of a connector intocircumferential engagement with the shunt tube by movement of theconnector, followed by removal of the biasing force, allows the pin toprevent axial movement of the connector.

In another embodiment, a jumper tube connection assembly, which isaffixable to a shunt tube, comprises a retention clip having a beveledsurface and locking surface, a retention clip frame, and a biasingmeans, wherein the retention clip is restrained partially within theretention clip frame in an initial position, and is pivotable inresponse to a jumper connector contacting the beveled surface duringsliding circumferential engagement thereof with a shunt tube. Uponengagement of the jumper connector with the shunt tube, the biasingmeans re-positions the retention clip in its initial position, wherebythe locking surface prevents disengaging movement of the jumperconnector in relation to the shunt tube.

In still another embodiment, a jumper tube connection assembly, which isaffixable to a shunt tube, comprises a retention clip having a lockingcomponent, a retention clip support, and a biasing means, wherein theclip is restrained partially within the support and is pivotable inresponse to a force applied to the retention clip biasing andmaintaining the locking component away from the shunt tube duringsliding circumferential engagement of a jumper connector therewith. Uponengagement of the jumper connector with the shunt tube, removal of theforce allows the biasing means to position the retention clip wherebythe locking component is disposed at least partially within a jumperconnector exterior surface orifice, thereby preventing disengagement ofthe jumper connector from the shunt tube.

Further embodiments of the present invention comprise a method ofretaining jumper connectors with a fastener. In an additional aspect,embodiments of the present invention comprise a spring-loaded system forsecuring a leak-off tube utilized in conjunction with jumper tubeconnector assemblies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the exemplary embodiments,reference is now made to the following Description of ExemplaryEmbodiments of the Invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a view of a jumper tube connector assembly of anembodiment of the present invention in an uninstalled arrangement.

FIG. 2 depicts an additional view of a jumper tube connector assembly ofan embodiment of the present invention in an installed arrangement.

FIG. 3 depicts a view of a jumper tube connector assembly of anembodiment of the present invention in an uninstalled position.

FIG. 4 depicts a view of a jumper tube connector assembly of anembodiment of the present invention in an installed position.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a method of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a view of a leak-off tube retention mechanism of anembodiment of the present invention with the leak-off tube in aretracted position.

FIG. 6A depicts a detailed view of a portion of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 depicts a view of a leak-off tube retention mechanism of anembodiment of the present invention with the leak-off tube in anextended position.

FIG. 7A depicts a detailed view of a portion of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 depicts a view of a jumper tube connection assembly of anembodiment of the present invention in an uninstalled position.

FIG. 8A depicts a view of an embodiment of a retention clip lockingsurface of the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts a view of a jumper tube connection assembly of anembodiment of the present invention in an installed position.

FIG. 9A depicts another view of a jumper tube connection assembly of anembodiment of the present invention in an uninstalled position.

FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of a method of the present invention.

FIG. 11 depicts a view of a jumper tube connection assembly of anembodiment of the present invention in an uninstalled position.

FIG. 12 depicts a view of a jumper tube connection assembly of anembodiment of the present invention in an installed position.

FIG. 13 depicts an embodiment of a method of the present invention.

FIG. 14A depicts an embodiment of a retention clip of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14B depicts an embodiment of a retention clip frame of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15A depicts an embodiment of a jumper tube connection assembly ofthe present invention.

FIG. 15B depicts an embodiment of a jumper tube connection assembly ofthe present invention attached to a shunt tube.

FIG. 15C depicts a view of a portion of a jumper tube connector assemblyof an embodiment of the present invention in an installed position.

FIG. 16 depicts a cutaway view of an embodiment of a jumper tubeconnection assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 17A depicts an embodiment of a portion of a retention clip of thepresent invention.

FIG. 17B depicts another embodiment of a portion of a retention clip ofthe present invention.

FIG. 18A depicts a cutaway view of an embodiment of a portion of ajumper tube connection assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 18B depicts a cutaway view of an embodiment of a portion of ajumper tube connection assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 19 depicts a cutaway view of an embodiment of a jumper tubeconnection assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 20 depicts an embodiment of a method of the present invention.

FIG. 21A depicts an embodiment of a jumper tube connection assembly ofthe present invention.

FIG. 21B depicts an embodiment of a jumper tube connection assembly ofthe present invention attached to a shunt tube.

FIG. 22A depicts an embodiment of a retention clip of the presentinvention.

FIG. 22B depicts an embodiment of a retention clip support of thepresent invention.

FIG. 22C depicts a cutaway view of an embodiment of a retention clipsupport of the present invention.

FIG. 23A depicts a cutaway view of an embodiment of a jumper tubeconnection assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 23B depicts a cutaway view of a biasing means of a jumper tubeconnection assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 24A depicts an embodiment of a jumper tube connection assembly ofthe present invention attached to a shunt tube.

FIG. 24B depicts an embodiment of a jumper tube connection assembly ofthe present invention, in a disengaged position, attached to a shunttube.

FIG. 25A depicts a view of a portion of a jumper tube connector assemblyof an embodiment of the present invention in a partially installedposition.

FIG. 25B depicts a view of a portion of a jumper tube connector assemblyof an embodiment of the present invention in an installed position.

FIG. 26 depicts an embodiment of a method of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments are best understood by referring to thedrawings with like numerals being used for like and corresponding partsof the various drawings. As used herein, longitudinal refers to the axisA-A identified in FIG. 1 (or similarly oriented tubing or componentaxes), and transverse refers to a direction normal to axis A-A of FIG. 1(or axes similarly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis). The termstop, bottom, upper, lower, upward, downward, and the like are usedherein for convenience only and other orientations are contemplated, aswould be understood by one skilled in the art, The terms “down-hole,”“up-hole,” and the like, as used herein to describe typical orientationsfor sub-surface drilling of a well bore are only exemplary, and otherorientations are contemplated, as would be understood by one skilled inthe art. Although the embodiments of the invention described herein aredisclosed in reference to connection of shunt tubes, the invention isnot so limited and may be employed in the connection of any types oftubes, pipes, or the like.

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 1, a jumper tube connector assembly10 comprises one or more fasteners 20 fixedly attached to one or bothends of a jumper tube 30. As would be known to one skilled in the art,jumper tube 30 is adapted to provide for fluid flow there through andmay be of any useful geometry. In one embodiment, fastener 20 comprisesa “snap clip” that functions similar to a binder clip in that itutilizes tension to provide bias against objects disposed adjacentthereto. In other embodiments, fastener 20 may comprises springs,hinges, and/or other biasing mechanisms.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, snap clip 20 comprises a strip ofmetal bent to form an angle of less than ninety degrees (90°), althoughother geometries may be employed. The bent metal strip is attached at aproximal end 40 thereof to an exterior surface 80 of jumper tube 30 suchthat the snap clip 20 formed thereby is biased toward jumper tube 30 andat least a portion of the surface of snap clip 20 is disposed proximateexterior surface 80 of jumper tube 30. In the embodiment shown in FIG.2, snap clip 20 is provided such that at least a portion of the bottomsurface (not visible in FIG. 2) of snap clip 20 contacts exteriorsurface 80 of jumper tube 30.

In this embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, when force is applied todistal end 110 of snap clip 20 in a direction away from jumper tube 30,an object (such as jumper connector 50) can be inserted between thebottom surface (not visible in FIG. 1) of snap clip 20 and exteriorsurface 80 of jumper tube 30, and when the force is removed, snap clip20, being biased in the direction toward jumper tube 30, retains theobject against jumper tube 30. Although in the embodiment shown in FIG.1 snap clip 20 comprises metal, it may be constructed from othermaterials as would be understood by one skilled in the art. In oneembodiment, snap clip 20 comprises spring steel.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the fastening mechanism at thedepicted end of jumper tube 30 comprises two snap clips 20; however, theinvention is not so limited and various embodiments may comprise asingle snap clip 20 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), or three or more snap clips 20.For ease of description only, embodiments of the invention may bedescribed in detail herein with respect to a jumper tube connectorassembly 10 comprising a plurality of snap clips 20.

The one or more snap clips 20 may be disposed along all or part thetransverse diameter of a “top” surface 32 of jumper tube 30. A singlesnap clip 20 may be centered with respect to the transverse axis ofjumper tube 30, or may be offset therefrom. Multiple snap clips 20 maybe evenly or unevenly spaced along the transverse diameter of jumpertube 30. In other embodiments (not shown), one or more snap clips 20 maybe disposed on one or more side surfaces 34 of jumper tube 30. Inadditional embodiments (not shown), one or more snap clips 20 may bedisposed on top surface 32 of jumper tube 30 and snap clips 20 may bedisposed on one or more side surfaces 34 of jumper tube 30.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, snap clips 20 are fixedly attachedproximate proximal end 40 thereof to jumper tube 30. In FIG. 1, the twosnap clips 20 are affixed to jumper tube 30 at approximately the samelocation along the longitudinal axis of jumper tube 30, but theinvention is not so limited and snap clips 20 may be affixed to jumpertube 30 at different locations along the longitudinal axis of jumpertube 30. In addition, snap clips 20 may be of similar length or ofdiffering lengths with respect to their dimension along the longitudinalaxis of jumper tube 30, and snap clips 20 may be of similar width or ofdiffering widths with respect to their dimension along the transverseaxis of jumper tube 30. In one embodiment, end surfaces 130 of two ormore snap clips 20 are disposed at approximately the same location withrespect to the longitudinal axis of jumper tube 30.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, fixed attachment of snap clips 20 tojumper tube 30 comprises welding of snap clips 20 to jumper tube 30.Other methods of fixed attachment may be employed. In addition, snapclips 20 may be integrally formed as a component of jumper tube 30.

Still referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment a jumper connector 50adapted to provide for fluid flow there through and which may be of anyuseful geometry is circumferentially disposed around a portion of jumpertube 30. One or more seals (not shown), such as but not limited to sealrings, may be disposed within jumper connector 50 to provide a fluidseal between jumper connector 50 and jumper tube 30. In the“uninstalled” arrangement depicted in FIG. 1, jumper connector 50 isprovided such that a portion of the exterior surface 60 of a distal end70 thereof is disposed between the exterior surface 80 of jumper tube 30and at least a portion of the bottom surface (not shown) of snap clips20. As snap clips 20 are biased toward jumper tube 30, jumper connector50 is retained in this position with respect to the longitudinal axis ofjumper tube 30. Snap clips 20 may comprise a protuberance 90, such asbut not limited to a knob or handle on the top surface 100 of snap clips20, which assists in providing displacement of a distal end 110 of snapclips 20 away from jumper tube 30 so that a portion of the distal end 70of jumper connector 50 may be slid between the exterior surface 80 ofjumper tube 30 and at least a portion of the bottom surface (not shown)of snap clips 20 to provide jumper connector 50 in the uninstalledarrangement.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of jumper tube connector assembly 10 in an“installed” arrangement wherein a proximal end 120 of jumper connector50 is slidingly engaged with a shunt tube (not shown in FIG. 1). Suchmovement of jumper connector 50 with regard to jumper tube 30 along thelongitudinal axis thereof displaces distal end 70 of jumper connector 50such that no portion of jumper connector 50 remains disposed betweensnap clips 20 and jumper tube 30. As snap clips 20 are biased towardjumper tube 30, such transposition of jumper connector 50 from itsuninstalled arrangement to its installed arrangement results in at leasta portion of the bottom surface (not shown) of snap clips 20 contactingexterior surface 80 of jumper tube 30. In such an arrangement, an endsurface 130 (labeled in FIG. 1) of at least one of snap clips 20prevents movement of jumper connector 50 toward snap clips 20 along thelongitudinal axis of jumper tube 30.

As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, end surface 130 of each snap clip 20comprises substantially the dimensions of the snap clip 20 proximatethereto; however, the present invention is not so limited and other endsurface geometries and dimensions as would be appreciated by one skilledin the art may be employed. In one embodiment (see FIG. 3), an endsurface 130 may comprise a planar surface substantially normal to thelongitudinal axis of jumper tube 30. In one embodiment (not shown), endsurface 130 may comprise a fixture, such as but not limited to a knob orhandle, which assists in providing displacement of a distal end 110 ofsnap clips 20 away from jumper tube 30.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an embodiment comprising two jumper tubeconnector assemblies 10 of the present invention in an uninstalledposition is depicted. In referring to FIG. 3 and throughout, forconvenience only, reference is made to a higher vertical paginalrepresentation as “up-hole,” and a lower vertical paginal representationas “downhole,” as would be understood by one skilled in the art. In theembodiment of FIG. 3, two jumper connectors 50 are disposedcircumferentially to each jumper tube 30. Each jumper connector 50 isretained with respect to the longitudinal axis of jumper tube 30 by asingle snap clip 20. In FIG. 3, jumper tube connector assemblies 10 aredisposed proximate shunt tubes 140 disposed on each of two connectedpipe sections 150.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, pipe sections 150Aand 150B are connected by pipe connector 170. In the embodiment of FIG.3, an up-hole shunt tube 140A comprises a down-hole end 160A thereof,and a down-hole shunt tube 140B comprises an up-hole end 160B thereof.As depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 3, jumper tube connectorassemblies 10 are disposed such that alignment with corresponding shunttubes 140A, 140B disposed on pipe sections 150A, 150B allows for slidingengagement of proximal ends 120 of jumper connectors 50circumferentially around ends 160A, 160B of shunt tubes 140.

As shown in FIG. 4 in an embodiment depicting jumper tube connectorassemblies 10 in an installed position, proximal ends 120 of jumperconnectors 50 are engaged circumferentially around ends 160 of shunttubes 140. In one embodiment, one or more seals (not shown), such as butnot limited to seal rings, disposed within a jumper connector 50 providea fluid seal between that jumper connector 50 and the shunt tube 140with which it is engaged.

As also shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4, sliding engagement of jumperconnectors 50 with shunt tubes 140 results in displacement of jumperconnectors 50 from a position between the exterior surface 80 of jumpertube 30 and at least a portion of the bottom surface (not shown) of snapclips 20. Consequentially, at least a portion of the bottom surface (notshown) of each snap clip 20 is biased into contact with an exteriorsurface 80 of a jumper tube 30. As is further depicted in the embodimentof FIG. 4, this installed position provides end surface 130 of snap clip20 in a position which prevents movement of jumper connector 50 alongjumper tube 30 in the direction of snap clip 20.

In another embodiment of the invention (not shown), snap clips 20 arefixedly attached to shunt tubes 140 to be connected, similarly to howthey are attached to jumper tube 30 as described above, with thedifference being the proximal ends 40 and distal ends 70 of the snapclips 20 are oppositely disposed along the shunt tubes. In thisembodiment, jumper connectors 50 are slidingly fluidly engaged with theshunt tubes 140 and retained with the snap clips 20 by providing eachjumper connector 50 at least partially between a bottom surface of asnap clip 20 and the exterior surface of a shunt tube 140, as previouslydescribed with regard to jumper tube 30. A jumper tube 30 can then bedisposed and aligned between corresponding shunt tubes 140 to beconnected, and the jumper connectors 50 are slidingly circumferentiallyengaged with opposite ends of the jumper tube 30. When jumper connector50 is slidingly engaged sufficiently with jumper tube 30 to displacejumper connector 50 from its retained position between the bottomsurface of snap clip 20 and shunt tube 140, the end surface 130 of snapclip 20 prevents movement of jumper connector along shunt tube 140 inthe direction of snap clip 20. In this embodiment, jumper tube 30 may beequipped with, in lieu of snap clips 20, one or more features, such asbut no limited to protrusions, knobs, or the like, on the exteriorservice of jumper tube 30, that prevent further movement of jumperconnector 50 there along.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary method 200 for utilizing an embodiment ofjumper tube connector assembly 10 of the present invention comprisingthe following steps:

A jumper tube connector assembly preparation step 210 comprisingproviding a jumper tube, such as jumper tube 30, at least one fastener,such as fastener 20, attached to the jumper tube, and two jumperconnectors, such as jumper connectors 50, wherein each jumper connectoris fluidly engaged with one end of the jumper tube, and at least onejumper connector so engaged is retained by a fastener against the jumpertube.

A jumper tube connector assembly provision step 220 comprising providingthe thus prepared jumper tube connector assembly between an alignedpairs of shunt tubes, such as shunt tubes 140, to be fluidly connected,such that each jumper connector is disposed proximate and aligned with ashunt tube.

A jumper tube connector assembly installation step 230 comprisingslidably extending each jumper connector into fluid engagement with ashunt tube such that each jumper connector retained by a fastener is nolonger retained against the jumper tube by the fastener, but rather isblocked by the fastener from moving along the jumper tube in thedirection of the fastener.

Method 200 is merely exemplary, and additional embodiments of a methodof utilizing a jumper tube connector assembly of the present inventionconsistent with the teachings herein may be employed. For example, inone embodiment, one or both of the jumper connectors may be providedseparately from the jumper tube and slidingly engaged with a shunt tube,whereupon the jumper tube is provided and each jumper connector alreadyfluidly engaged with a shunt tube is slidingly fluidly engaged with thejumper tube.

In one embodiment of the present invention, depicted in FIGS. 8, 8A, 9,& 9A, a jumper tube connection assembly 410 comprises one or morefasteners, such as retention clips 420, fixedly attached to shunt tube140 proximate end 160 thereof. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, tworetention clips 420 are affixed to shunt tube 140. In other embodiments(not shown), one or more retention clips 420 may be affixed to a shunttube bracket, such as shunt tube bracket 350 depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7,and/or a shunt tube housing, such as a shunt tube housing 630 depictedin FIGS. 11 and 12.

In various embodiments, retention clips 420 may be affixed atapproximately the same location along the longitudinal axis of shunttube 140, but the invention is not so limited and retention clips 420may be affixed to shunt tube 140 (and/or a shunt tube bracket or shunttube housing) at different locations along the longitudinal axis ofshunt tube 140. In addition, retention clips 420 may be of similarlength or of differing lengths with respect to their dimension along thelongitudinal axis of shunt tube 140, and retention clips 420 may be ofsimilar width or of differing widths with respect to their dimensionalong the transverse axis of shunt tube 140. In addition, one or moreretention clips 420 may be attached to a “side” surface 144 of shunttube 140, as shown in FIG. 9A, a “top” surface 142 of shunt tube 140,and/or a “bottom” surface (not shown) of shunt tube 140. In oneembodiment, end surfaces 530 of two or more retention clips 420 aredisposed at approximately the same location with respect to thelongitudinal axis (or axis extended) of shunt tube 140. A retention clip420 may comprise metal, or may be constructed from other materials aswould be understood by one skilled in the art. In one embodiment,retention clip 420 comprises spring steel.

In one embodiment, fixed attachment of retention clips 420 to shunt tube140 and/or a shunt tube bracket and/or a shunt tube housing compriseswelding of retention clips 420 to shunt tube 140 and/or a shunt tubebracket and/or a shunt tube housing. Other methods of fixed attachmentmay be employed. In addition, retention clips 420 may be integrallyformed as a component of shunt tube 140 and/or a shunt tube bracketand/or a shunt tube housing.

Still referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, a distal end 510 ofretention clip 420 comprises a beveled surface 512 extending inward froman outside surface 514 of the distal end 510 of retention clip 420. Asshown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, retention clip 420 maycomprise a locking surface 540. In one embodiment, locking surface 540is substantially planar and oriented substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of shunt tube 140.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, beveled surface 512 is configuredsuch that insertion of a jumper connector 50 between two opposingretention clips 420 biases the distal ends 510 thereof further apart.Continued movement of the jumper connector 50 in the direction of end160 of shunt tube 140 eventuates in circumferential engagement of jumperconnector 50 with shunt tube 140, as described above with regard tojumper tube connector assembly 10. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9,engagement of jumper connector 50 with shunt tube 140 provides an endsurface 550 of the distal end 70 of jumper connector 50 beyond beveledsurface 512, thereby allowing the distal ends 510 of retention clips 420to return to their unbiased position. In this installed position ofjumper connector 50, locking surface 540 prevents axial movement ofjumper connector 50 along jumper tube 30 in a direction toward distalend 510 of retention clip 420. In one embodiment, jumper tube connectionassembly 410 comprises one or more retention components 560 configuredand adapted such that upon disposition of jumper connector 50 in aninstalled position, end surface 580 of proximal end 120 of jumperconnector 50 is provided proximate a retention component 560, andfurther axial movement of jumper connector 50 along shunt tube 140 in adirection away from distal end 510 of retention clip 420 is prevented.In one embodiment, a retention component 560 comprises the weldingmaterial utilized to connect a retention clip 420 to a shunt tube 140(or a shunt tube bracket or a shunt tube housing) by welding. In otherembodiments (not shown) a retention component 560 may comprise, but isnot limited to, a protuberance on the exterior surface of a shunt tube140 (or a shunt tube bracket or a shunt tube housing), and/or aprotuberance on the internal surface 570 of a retention clip 420.

In another embodiment of a retention clip 420 shown in FIG. 8A, lockingsurface 540 comprises a groove 545 adapted and configured to retain endsurface 550 of the distal end 70 of jumper connector 50 upon dispositionof jumper connector 50 in an installed position.

In another embodiment of an alternative jumper tube connection assembly410 (not shown), wherein only one retention clip 420 is employed orwherein two retention clips 420 are not disposed in an opposingorientation, manipulation of jumper tube connector 50 into engagementwith shunt tube 140 still allows for prevention, by one (or more)locking surfaces 540, of axial movement of jumper connector 50 alongjumper tube 30 in a direction toward distal end 510 of retention clip420. In such an embodiment, one or more retention components 560 mayprevent further axial movement of jumper connector 50 along shunt tube140 in a direction away from distal end 510 of retention clip 420.

In one embodiment, aligned shunt tubes 140, such as depicted in FIG. 3,may each be equipped with an opposing pair of retention clips 420,whereby installation of two jumper connectors 50 sealing engaged aroundthe opposite ends of a jumper tube 30 may be accomplished by providingeach jumper connector between a pair of retention clips 420, andslidingly moving the jumper connectors away from each other until eachjumper connector 50 circumferentially engages a shunt tube 140 and isdisposed such that the locking surface 540 of each retention clip 420restricts axial movement of the jumper connector 50 engaged therewith ina direction toward distal end 510 of retention clip 420.

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary method 700 for utilizing an embodiment ofjumper tube connection assembly 410 of the present invention comprisingthe following steps:

A jumper tube connection assembly preparation step 710 comprisingproviding an aligned pair of shunt tubes, such as shunt tubes 140, eachequipped with an opposingly oriented pair of retention clips, such asretention clip 420, affixed thereto, wherein each retention clipcomprises a locking surface, such as locking surface 540.

A jumper tube connector assembly provision step 720 comprising providinga jumper tube, such as jumper tube 30, equipped with a pair of jumpertube connectors, such as jumper tube connector 50, eachcircumferentially engaged with the jumper tube at either end thereof,whereby the jumper tube and jumper tube connectors are axially alignedwith and disposed between the aligned shunt tubes.

A jumper tube connector assembly installation step 730 comprisingaxially extending each jumper connector between a pair of the retentionclips and engaging each jumper tube connector with a shunt tube, wherebyeach locking surface restricts movement of the jumper connectorproximate therewith in a direction toward the other jumper connector.

Method 700 is merely exemplary, and additional embodiments of a methodof utilizing a jumper tube connection assembly 410 of the presentinvention consistent with the teachings herein may be employed. Forexample, in one embodiment, one or both of the jumper connectors may beprovided separately from the jumper tube and slidingly engaged with ashunt tube, whereupon the jumper tube is provided and each jumperconnector already fluidly engaged with a shunt tube is slidingly fluidlyengaged with the jumper tube.

In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, a jumpertube connection assembly 610 is depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12. In oneembodiment, jumper tube connection assembly 610 comprises one or morefasteners, such as a pin-locking retention clip 620. A pin-lockingretention clip 620 may comprise metal, or may be constructed from othermaterials as would be understood by one skilled in the art. In oneembodiment, pin-locking retention clip 620 comprises spring steel. Inone embodiment, one or more pin-locking retention clips 620 are affixedto a side (not labeled) of shunt tube housing 630. A pin-lockingretention clip 620 may be affixed to a shunt tube housing 630 bywelding. (Welding material labeled in FIG. 11 as item 660). Shunt tubehousing 630 may be affixed to shunt tube 140. In one embodiment, shunttube housing 630 is affixed to shunt tube 140 by welding. In oneembodiment (not shown), shunt tube housing 630 may be affixed to orintegral with a shunt tube bracket, such as shunt tube bracket 350 (seeFIG. 6). In one embodiment (not shown), pin-locking retention clips 620may be affixed directly to a shunt tube 140 or be integral therewith.

In one embodiment, pin-locking retention clip 620 extends from shunttube housing 630 along the longitudinal axis of shunt tube 140 towardend 160 thereof. Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 depictspin-locking retention clip 620 extending beyond end 160 of shunt tube140, the invention is not so limited, and additional embodiments, suchas but not limited to, wherein shunt tube 140 extends beyond a pin 640or extends beyond an end 690 of pin-locking retention clip 620, may beemployed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, pin-locking retention clip620 extends substantially parallel to shunt tube 140 (or shunt tube 140extended) and separated therefrom.

In various embodiments, pin-locking retention clips 620 may be affixedat approximately the same location along the longitudinal axis of shunttube 140, but the invention is not so limited and pin-locking retentionclips 620 may be affixed to shunt tube housing 630 at differentlocations along the longitudinal axis of shunt tube 140. In addition,pin-locking retention clips 620 may be of similar length or of differinglengths with respect to their dimension along the longitudinal axis ofshunt tube 140, and pin-locking retention clips 620 may be of similarwidth or of differing widths with respect to their dimension along thetransverse axis of shunt tube 140.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 11, pin-locking retention clip 620comprises one or more pins 640. In one embodiment, pin 640 extends froman “inner” surface 650 of pin-locking retention clip 620 toward anexterior surface of shunt tube 140 (or shunt tube 140 extended). In theembodiment depicted in FIG. 11, pin 640 extends through pin-lockingretention clip 620; however, the invention is not so limited and otherconfigurations may be employed. In one embodiment, pin 640 comprises aspring-loaded mechanism (not shown) that allows for biased movement ofan end 680 of pin 640 away from the exterior surface of shunt tube 140(or shunt tube 140 extended) and toward inner surface 650 of pin-lockingretention clip 620.

In one embodiment, pin 640 is adapted and configured to be insertableinto a jumper connector 50 orifice 52, as shown in FIG. 12. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 12, grasping of handle ring 670 and pulling pin640 in a direction away from shunt tube 140 (or shunt tube 140 extended)allows jumper connector 50 to be extended between inner surface 650 ofpin-locking retention clip 620 and an exterior surface of shunt tube140. In other embodiments (not shown), pin 640 is adapted and configuredto be biased away from shunt tube 140 by contacting movement therewithby jumper connector 50 as the jumper connector 50 is moved toward end160 of shunt tube 140. As shown in FIG. 12, movement of jumper connector50 into engagement with shunt tube 140 in an installed position allowsfor insertion of at least a portion of pin 640 into orifice 52, therebyrestricting movement of jumper connector 50 along the longitudinal axisof shunt tube 140. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12, when jumperconnector 50 is disposed in an installed position with respect to shunttube 140, end surface 580 of proximal end 120 of jumper connector 50 isprovided proximate or in contact with end surface 635 of shunt tubehousing 630, although other configurations may be employed.

In one embodiment, aligned shunt tubes 140, such as depicted in FIG. 3,may each be equipped with a shunt tube housing 630 comprising one ormore pin-locking retention clips 620, whereby installation of two jumperconnectors 50 sealing engaged around the opposite ends of a jumper tube30 may be accomplished by biasing the end 680 of each pin 640 of eachpin-locking retention clip 620 in a direction toward inner surface 650thereof while providing each jumper connector 50 into circumferentialsealing engagement with a shunt tube 140, whereby removal of the biasingforce provides each pin 640 into at least partial engagement with anorifice 52 of each jumper connector 50.

FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary method 800 for utilizing an embodiment ofjumper tube connection assembly of the present invention comprising thefollowing steps:

A jumper tube connection assembly preparation step 810 comprisingproviding an aligned pair of shunt tubes, such as shunt tubes 140,wherein each shunt tube is equipped with a shunt tube housing, such asshunt tube housing 630, and each shunt tube housing is equipped with atleast one pin-locking retention clip, such as pin-locking retention clip620, and each pin-locking retention clip comprises at least one pin,such as pin 640.

A jumper tube connector assembly provision step 820 comprising providinga jumper tube, such as jumper tube 30, equipped with a pair of jumpertube connectors, such as jumper tube connector 50, eachcircumferentially engaged with the jumper tube at either end thereof,whereby the jumper tube and jumper tube connectors are axially alignedwith and disposed between the aligned shunt tubes.

A jumper tube connector assembly installation step 830 comprisingbiasing the end, such as end 680, of each pin of each in-lockingretention clip in a direction toward an inner surface, such as innersurface 650, thereof while providing each jumper connector intocircumferential sealing engagement with a shunt tube, whereby removal ofthe biasing force provides each pin into at least partial engagementwith an orifice, such as orifice 52, of each jumper connector.

Method 800 is merely exemplary, and additional embodiments of a methodof utilizing a jumper tube connection assembly 610 of the presentinvention consistent with the teachings herein may be employed. Forexample, in one embodiment, one or both of the jumper connectors may beprovided separately from the jumper tube and slidingly engaged with ashunt tube, whereupon the jumper tube is provided and each jumperconnector already fluidly engaged with a shunt tube is slidingly fluidlyengaged with the jumper tube.

As would be understood by one skilled in the art, a combination of ajumper tube connector assembly 10 and/or a jumper tube connectionassembly 410 and/or a jumper tube connection assembly 610 may beemployed to connect jumper connectors 50 and a jumper tube 30 to alignedshunt tubes. In addition, a shunt tube 140 may be equipped (directly orvia a shunt tube housing 630 or shunt tube bracket 350) with one or moreretention clips 420 and one or more pin-locking retention clips 620.

In another aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, amechanism for securing and a method for securely deploying a leak-offtube is provided. A leak-off tube, sometimes referred to as a “slittube,” is another component of a downhole fluid communication systemcommonly utilized in conjunction with shunt tubes. See for example, U.S.Pat. No. 8,960,287 issued to Holderman, et al., which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety. Referring to the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 6, a leak-off tube 300 is disposed proximate andsubstantially parallel to one or more shunt tubes 140 along a pipesection 150. Typically, leak-off tube 300 comprises a plurality ofapertures 310. In practice, leak-off tube 300 is provided as an outletfor fluids introduced into the pipe section 150 connection location. Inone aspect, leak-off tube 300 may provide a conduit for fluids into ascreened section 390 (labeled in FIG. 7) of a pipe section 150.

As depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 6, leak-off tube 300 is equippedwith one or more spring-loaded buttons, sometimes referred to as “snap”buttons, 320. While the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6 shows twospring-loaded buttons 320, the invention is not so limited and invarious embodiments only one spring-loaded button 320 is employed whilein other embodiments three or more spring-loaded buttons 320 may beutilized. A more detailed view of the spring-loaded button arrangementis shown in FIG. 6A. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 6A, the twospring-loaded buttons 320 are disposed on opposite sides of leak-offtube 300, however other orientations of spring load buttons 320 may beemployed.

In an un-extended or “retracted” position as, depicted in the embodimentof FIGS. 6 and 6A, leak-off tube 300 is retained within a first fitting,such as an upper retainer ring 330, by protrusion of the spring-loadedbuttons 320 through upper retainer ring orifices 340 in an upperretainer ring 330 that is operatively connected to a shunt tube bracket350. In other embodiments (not shown), a leak-off tube may be connectedto a pipe section 150 other means, as would be understood by one skilledin the art.

In one embodiment, in operation, spring-loaded buttons 320 are manuallydepressed to release leak-off tube 300, which is adapted to be slidinglymoveable toward a second fitting, such as a lower retainer ring 360,disposed on a manifold bracket 370 of opposite pipe section 150. Whenleak-off tube 300 is advanced into engagement with lower retainer ring360, spring-loaded buttons 320 are manually depressed and introducedinto engagement with lower retainer ring orifices 380, whereby, via byremoval of the depression bias, leak-off tube 300 is retained in theextended position.

In an embodiment of a method of the present invention, a leak-off tube,such as leak-off tube 300, comprising one or more spring-loaded buttons,such as spring-loaded buttons 320, is provided, whereby thespring-loaded buttons are disposed at least partially through upperretainer ring orifices, such as upper retainer ring orifices 340, in anupper retainer ring, such as upper retainer ring 330, such that theleak-off tube is retained in engagement with the upper retainer ring;the spring-loaded buttons are depressed to disengage retention of theleak-off tube by the upper retainer ring, and the leak-off tube isslidingly moved into engagement with a lower retainer ring, such aslower retainer ring 360, containing one or more lower retainer ringorifices, such as lower retainer ring orifices 380; the spring-loadedbuttons are depressed to allow for introduction thereof at leastpartially through the lower retainer ring orifices, thereby providingretained engagement of the leak-off tube with the lower retainer ring.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a jumper tube connectionassembly 910 (see FIG. 15A) comprises a fastener, such as retention clip920 (depicted in FIG. 14A), a retention clip frame 990 (shown in FIG.14B), and a biasing means 925 (shown in FIG. 18B). In one embodiment, ajumper tube connection assembly 910 may be fixedly attached to theexterior of shunt tube 140 proximate end 160 thereof, as shown in FIG.15B. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15B, one jumper tube connectionassembly 910 is attached to shunt tube 140 via a retention clip frame990, while in other embodiments (not shown), a plurality of jumper tubeconnection assemblies 910 may be attached to shunt tube 140, each via aretention clip frame 990. In other embodiments (not shown), one or morejumper tube connection assemblies 910 may be affixed to a shunt tubebracket, such as shunt tube bracket 350 depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7,and/or a shunt tube housing, such as a shunt tube housing 630 depictedin FIGS. 11 and 12, each via a retention clip frame 990.

In various embodiments, jumper tube connection assemblies 910 may beaffixed at approximately the same location along the longitudinal axisof shunt tube 140 (each via a retention clip frame 990), but theinvention is not so limited and jumper tube connection assemblies 910may be affixed to shunt tube 140 (and/or a shunt tube bracket or shunttube housing) at different locations along the longitudinal axis ofshunt tube 140. In addition, jumper tube connection assemblies 910 maybe of similar length or of differing lengths with respect to theirdimension along the longitudinal axis of shunt tube 140, and jumper tubeconnection assemblies 910 may be of similar width or of differing widthswith respect to their dimension along their transverse axis with respectto shunt tube 140. In addition, one or more jumper tube connectionassemblies 910 may be attached to a “side” surface 144 of shunt tube140, as shown in FIG. 9A, a “top” surface 142 of shunt tube 140, and/ora “bottom” surface (not shown) of shunt tube 140. In one embodiment, alocking surfaces 940 of each of two or more retention clips 920 aredisposed at approximately the same location with respect to thelongitudinal axis (or axis extended) of shunt tube 140.

A retention clip 920 and/or a retention clip frame 990 may comprisemetal, or may be constructed from other materials as would be understoodby one skilled in the art. In one embodiment, retention clip 920 and/ora retention clip frame 990 comprise spring steel.

In one embodiment, fixed attachment of jumper tube connection assemblies910 (each via a retention clip frame 990) to shunt tube 140 and/or ashunt tube bracket and/or a shunt tube housing comprises welding ofretention clip frames 990 to shunt tube 140 and/or a shunt tube bracketand/or a shunt tube housing. Other methods of fixed attachment may beemployed. In one embodiment, attachment is accomplished by affixing atleast a portion of an end surface 928 of a guard component 994 ofretention clip frame 990 to shunt tube 140. In addition, retention clipframes 990 may be integrally formed as a component of shunt tube 140and/or a shunt tube bracket and/or a shunt tube housing.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 14A, retention clip 920 comprises anelongated implement comprising a proximal end 911 and a distal end 921,and defining a longitudinal axis there between. In one embodiment,retention clip 920 comprises a recess 916 proximate proximal end 911thereof. In one embodiment, recess 916 is configured to complement, andcooperate with, a guard component 994 of retention clip frame 990 (shownin FIG. 14B), whereby retention clip 920 is maintained proximateretention clip frame 990 (see FIGS. 15A and 16). In one embodiment,retention clip 920 comprises a connector stop 960 comprising a connectorstop surface 962. A connector stop 960 may be integral with or attached(removably or irremovably) to retention clip 920. In variousembodiments, a connector stop surface 962 of connector stop 960 maycomprise any useful geometry and orientation with regard to retentionclip 920, such as, but not limited to, the planar surface structure andslightly upward angled orientation shown in FIG. 14A. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 14A, proximal end 911 of retention clip 920 comprises abeveled surface 918, however the invention is not so limited and othergeometries of proximal end 911 may be employed.

In one embodiment, distal end 921 of retention clip 920 comprises an endsurface 930. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 14A and in greater detailin FIG. 17A, end surface 930 of retention clip 920 is non-planar andcomprises a “step” 931. In one embodiment, step 931 comprises a“vertical” surface 932 that is substantially perpendicular to endsurface 930, and a “horizontal” surface 933 that is substantiallyparallel to end surface 930. In another embodiment of retention clip920, shown in FIG. 17B, end surface 930 is substantially planar.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 14A, retention clip 920 compriseslocking surface 940. In one embodiment (not shown), locking surface 940is substantially planar and oriented substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of retention clip 920. In the embodiment of FIG. 14A,locking surface 940 comprises a groove 945 adapted and configured toretain end surface 550 of the distal end 70 of jumper connector 50 upondisposition of jumper connector 50 in an installed position with respectto shunt tube 140. (See FIG. 15C) In one embodiment, distal end 921 ofretention clip 920 comprises a beveled surface 912 extending inward froman inside edge 923 of end surface 930 of retention clip 920 to anoutside edge 924 of locking surface 940.

In the embodiment of jumper tube connection assembly 910 shown in FIG.16 (and in greater detail in FIG. 18A), a retention clip 920 ispartially constrained by retention clip frame 990 guard component 994(cutaway view of guard component 994 shown for clarity). In oneembodiment, recess 916 of retention clip comprises a top recess surface934, a bottom recess surface 936, and a side recess surface 938, eachadapted to be disposed about a first end portion 942 of guard component994. Although the embodiment depicted in FIG. 16 shows top recesssurface 934 and bottom recess surface 936 substantially parallel to eachother and substantially perpendicular to side recess surface 938, theinvention is not so limited and other arrangements may be employed.

In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 18B, a biasing means 925 is positionedwithin a second end portion 944 of guard component 994, which isdisposed proximate a proximal end 995 of retention clip frame 990. Inone embodiment, biasing means 925 comprises a compressible (tension)spring, such as a coil spring, also known as a helical spring, althoughother compressible devices or materials capable of performing the samefunction, including but not limited to, natural or synthetic rubbercomprising components, may be employed.

In one embodiment, biasing means 925 may be attached (removably orun-removably) to back surface 946 of guard component 994 of retentionclip frame 990 and/or outside surface 914 of retention clip 920, withinsecond end portion 944 of guard component 994. In one embodiment,biasing means 925 may be disposed within second end portion 944 of guardcomponent 994 in a nonattached arrangement. In one embodiment, biasingmeans 925 urges proximal end 911 of retention clip 920 toward the firstend portion 942 of guard component 994. In one embodiment (not shown tomaintain image clarity), such urging provides contact between at least aportion of side recess surface 938 and first end portion 942.

In one embodiment, retention clip frame 990 comprises a bottom stopcomponent 992 proximate a distal end 991 of retention clip frame 990. Inone embodiment, bottom stop 992 comprises an upper surface 993. In oneembodiment, upper surface 993 is substantially planar and is orientedsubstantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of retention clipframe 990 defined between distal end 991 and proximal end 995 ofretention clip frame 990. In one embodiment, upper surface 993 isoriented substantially parallel to at least a portion of bottom surface930 of retention clip 920.

In one embodiment of jumper tube connection assembly 910, comprising thenon-planar retention clip 920 end surface 930 embodiment shown in FIGS.14A and 17A, in an initial (jumper connector 50 uninstalled) position,retention clip 920 is disposed such that bottom stop 992 is positionedwherein at least a portion of horizontal surface 933 of step 931 isproximate or in contact with a portion of upper surface 993 of retentionclip frame 990, and wherein at least a portion of vertical surface 932of step 931 is proximate or in contact with a portion of an inner sidesurface 996 of bottom stop 992 (as labeled in FIG. 16). In anotherembodiment of jumper tube connection assembly 910, comprising thesubstantially planar end surface 930 embodiment shown in FIG. 17B, in aninitial (jumper connector 50 uninstalled) position of retention clip 920(not separately shown), at least a portion of end surface 930 ofretention clip 920 is proximate or in contact with upper surface 993 ofretention clip frame 990.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 16, beveled surface 912 and endsurface 930 are configured such that upward force applied to beveledsurface 912 first forces retention clip 920 upward only (due toengagement of vertical surface 932 of step 931 with inner side surface996 of bottom stop 992 which substantially prevents horizontal movementof retention clip 920). As a result of this upward movement of retentionclip 920, step 931 is disengaged from bottom stop 992. Further upwardforce on beveled surface 912 forces distal end 921 of retention clip 920outward (toward an outside surface 997 of retention clip frame 990), andproximal end 911 of retention clip 920 inward (toward second end portion944 of guard component 994) as retention clip 920 pivots about a secondend portion 944 pivot edge 948, as shown in FIG. 19.

Discontinuance of force being applied to beveled surface 912 results in,via the outward biasing force supplied by biasing means/spring 925 toproximal end 911 of retention clip 920, outward movement of proximal end911 of retention clip 920 (toward first end portion 942 of guardcomponent 994) and inward movement of distal end 921 of retention clip920 (i.e., in a direction consistent with the outside surface 914 ofretention clip 920 moving toward the inside surface 998 of retentionclip frame 990). Continued inward movement of distal end 921 ofretention clip 920 eventuates in the vertical surface 932 of step 931being disposed inward of inner side surface 996 of bottom stop 992,whereby retention clip 920 drops slightly downward such that step 931 isre-engaged with bottom stop 992 as in its initial position with respectthereto.

In an embodiment of jumper tube connection assembly 910 wherein endsurface 930 comprises the embodiment thereof depicted in FIG. 17B,beveled surface 912 and end surface 930 are configured such that upwardforce applied to beveled surface 912 forces distal end 921 of retentionclip 920 outward (toward outside surface 997 of retention clip frame990), and proximal end 911 of retention clip 920 inward (toward secondend portion 944 of guard component 994) as retention clip 920 pivotsabout second end portion 944 pivot edge 948, similarly to the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 19.

Discontinuance of force being applied to beveled surface 912 results in,via the outward biasing force supplied by biasing means/spring 925 toproximal end 911 of retention clip 920, outward movement of proximal end911 of retention clip 920 (toward first end portion 942 of guardcomponent 994) and inward movement of distal end 921 of retention clip920 (i.e., in a direction consistent with the outside surface 914 ofretention clip 920 moving toward the inside surface 998 of retentionclip frame 990). Continued inward movement of distal end 921 ofretention clip 920 eventuates in retention clip 920 being disposed inits initial position (not separately shown) with respect to retentionclip frame 990, wherein at least a portion of end surface 930 ofretention clip 920 is proximate or in contact with upper surface 993 ofretention clip frame 990.

Method

FIG. 20 depicts an exemplary method 1100 for utilizing an embodiment ofjumper tube connector assembly 910 of the present invention comprisingthe following steps:

A jumper tube connection assembly preparation step 1110 comprisingproviding an aligned pair of shunt tubes, such as shunt tubes 140,wherein each shunt tube is equipped with at least one jumper tubeconnection assembly, such as jumper tube connection assembly 910,wherein each jumper tube connection assembly is attached to a shunt tube140 exterior via affixation thereto of a jumper tube connection assemblyretention clip frame, such as retention clip frame 990, each retentionclip frame comprises a bottom stop, such as bottom stop 992, each jumpertube connection assembly is equipped with a retention clip, such asretention clip 920, each retention clips comprises a bottom surface,such as bottom surface 930, a beveled surface, such as beveled surface912, and a locking surface, such as locking surface 940, each retentionclip is at least partially restricted within the retention clip frame bya guard component, such as guard component 994, and each retention clipis biased against the retention clip frame by a biasing means, such asbiasing means 925.

A jumper tube connector assembly provision step 1120 comprisingproviding a jumper tube, such as jumper tube 30, equipped with a pair ofjumper tube connectors, such as jumper tube connector 50, eachcircumferentially engaged with the jumper tube at either end thereof,whereby the jumper tube and jumper tube connectors are axially alignedwith and disposed between the aligned shunt tubes.

A jumper tube connector assembly installation step 1130 comprisingaxially extending each jumper connector between a shunt tube and aretention clip beveled surface and engaging each jumper tube connectorwith a shunt tube, whereby each locking surface restricts axial movementof the jumper connector proximate therewith in a direction toward theother jumper connector and each bottom stop restricts axial movement ofthe retention clip proximate therewith in the same direction.

Method 1100 is merely exemplary, and additional embodiments of a methodof utilizing a jumper tube connection assembly 910 of the presentinvention consistent with the teachings herein may be employed. Inaddition, in other embodiments, one or more of these steps may becombined, repeated, re-ordered, or deleted, and/or additional steps maybe added. For example, in one embodiment, one or both of the jumperconnectors may be provided separately from the jumper tube and slidinglyengaged with a shunt tube, whereupon the jumper tube is provided andeach jumper connector already fluidly engaged with a shunt tube isslidingly fluidly engaged with the jumper tube. In addition, one or moreretention clip frames may be integral with a shunt tube or attached toor integral with a shunt tube bracket or shunt tube housing, asdescribed above.

Operation

In one embodiment, a jumper tube connection assembly 910 connected to ashunt tube 140, as shown in FIG. 15B, is utilized in the connection of ajumper connector 50 to a shunt tube 140, as previously described. In anembodiment employing a retention clip 920 as depicted in FIG. 14A, whilethe retention clip 920 is oriented in an initial position with respectto retention clip frame 990 (see FIG. 16), a jumper connector 50 islongitudinally advanced toward the shunt tube 140, wherein end surface580 of proximal end 120 of the jumper connector 50 contacts a beveledsurface 912 of at least one retention clip 920. As described above,continued movement of the jumper connector 50, in contact with a beveledsurface 912, in the direction of shunt tube 140, forces the retentionclip 920 slightly upward, then outward, where after the jumper connector50 is provided in circumferential engagement with shunt tube 140, asdescribed above with regard to jumper tube connection assembly 10. Inone embodiment, at least one connector stop 960 prevents jumperconnector 50 from being advanced farther along shunt tube 140 thandesired. When the end surface 550 of distal end 70 of jumper connector50 has been advanced beyond locking surface 940 of retention clip 920,contact force against beveled surface 912 is ceased and force producedby biasing device 925 against proximal end 911 of retention clip 920, asdescribed above, urges retention clip 920 back into its initial positionwith respect to retention clip frame 990. In this installed arrangement,jumper connector 50 is prevented from slidingly disengaging from shunttube 140 (i.e., moving longitudinally toward distal end 921 of retentionclip 920), by locking surface 940. In addition, retention clip 920 step931 is engaged with retention clip fame 990 bottom stop 992, asdescribed above, thereby preventing further downward movement retentionclip 920 with respect to retention clip frame 990. (See FIG. 15C).

In an embodiment of the invention utilizing a jumper tube connectionassembly 910 comprising a retention clip 920 comprising a substantiallyplanar end surface 930 (as shown in FIG. 17B), longitudinal advancementof a jumper tube connector 50 toward a shunt tube 140, wherein endsurface 580 of the proximal end 120 of the jumper connector 50 contactsa beveled surface 912 of at least one retention clip 920, continuedmovement of the jumper connector 50, in contact with a beveled surface912, in the direction of shunt tube 140, forces the retention clip 920substantially only outward, whereby the jumper connector 50 is providedin circumferential engagement with shunt tube 140, as described abovewith regard to jumper tube connection assembly 10. In one embodiment, atleast one connector stop 960 prevents jumper connector 50 from beingadvanced farther along shunt tube 140 than desired. When the end surface550 of distal end 70 of the jumper connector 50 has been advanced beyondlocking surface 940 of retention clip 920, contact force against beveledsurface 912 is ceased and force produced by biasing device 925 againstproximal end 911 of retention clip 920, as described above, urgesretention clip 920 back into its initial position with respect toretention clip frame 990. In this installed arrangement, jumperconnector 50 is prevented from slidingly disengaging from shunt tube 140(i.e., moving longitudinally toward distal end 921 of retention clip920), by locking surface 940. Additionally in the installed position,downward movement of retention clip 920 is prevented by bottom stop 992due to engagement of at least a portion of end surface 930 of retentionclip 920 with upper surface 993 of bottom stop 992.

In one embodiment, aligned shunt tubes 140, such as depicted in FIG. 3,may each be equipped with a jumper tube connection assembly 910, wherebyinstallation of two jumper connectors 50 sealing engaged around theopposite ends of a jumper tube 30 may be accomplished by providing eachjumper connector proximate a retention clip 920 beveled surface 912, andslidingly moving the jumper connectors away from each other until eachjumper connector 50 circumferentially engages a shunt tube 140 and isdisposed such that the locking surface 940 of a retention clip 920restricts longitudinal movement of the jumper connector 50 engagedtherewith in a direction toward distal end 921 of retention clip 920.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, a jumper tubeconnection assembly 1010 is depicted in FIG. 21A. In one embodiment,jumper tube connection assembly 1010 comprises a fastener, such asretention clip 1020, a retention clip support 1090, a biasing means 1048(shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B), and a pivoting means, such as a pivot pin1028 (shown end-on in FIG. 21A). In one embodiment, one or more jumpertube connection assemblies 1010 may be fixedly attached to the exteriorof shunt tube 140 proximate end 160 thereof, as shown in FIG. 21B. Inone embodiment, such attachment involves an exterior end surface 1032 ofretention clip support 1090. In other embodiments (not shown) a jumpertube connection assembly 1010 may be fixedly attached to a shunt tubebracket, such as shunt tube bracket 350 depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7,and/or a shunt tube housing, such as a shunt tube housing 630 depictedin FIGS. 11 and 12. In other embodiments (not shown), all or a portionof a retention clip support 1090 may be formed integral with a shunttube 140, shunt tube bracket 350, or shunt tube housing 630.

In various embodiments, jumper tube connection assemblies 1010 may beaffixed at approximately the same location along the longitudinal axisof shunt tube 140, but the invention is not so limited and jumper tubeconnection assemblies 1010 may be affixed to shunt tube 140 (and/or ashunt tube bracket or shunt tube housing) at different locations alongthe longitudinal axis of shunt tube 140. In addition, jumper tubeconnection assemblies 1010 may be of similar length or of differinglengths with respect to their dimension along the longitudinal axis ofshunt tube 140, and jumper tube connection assemblies 1010 may be ofsimilar width or of differing widths with respect to their dimensionalong the transverse axis of shunt tube 140. In addition, one or morejumper tube connection assemblies 1010 may be attached to a “side”surface 144 of shunt tube 140, as shown in FIG. 9A, a “top” surface 142of shunt tube 140, and/or a “bottom” surface (not shown) of shunt tube140. In one embodiment, a locking component 1030 (see detaileddescription below) of two or more retention clips 1020 may be disposedat approximately the same location with respect to the longitudinal axis(or axis extended) of shunt tube 140. A retention clip 1020 and orretention clip support 1090 may comprise metal, or may be constructedfrom other materials as would be understood by one skilled in the art.In one embodiment, retention clip 1020 and/or retention clip support1090 comprises spring steel.

In one embodiment depicted in detail in FIG. 22A, retention clip 1020comprises an elongated implement comprising a proximal end 1024 and adistal end 1026. In one embodiment, retention clip 1020 comprises alocking component 1030. In one embodiment, locking component 1030comprises a portion of retention clip 1020 shaped and sized to be atleast partially inserted into an orifice in an exterior surface of ajumper connector 50 (such as orifice 52 described above) when thatjumper connector 50 is engaged with a shunt tube 140 to which a jumpertube connection assembly 1010 comprising that retention clip 1020 isattached. In various embodiments, a locking component 1030 may compriseany useful geometry as required to effectively cooperate with an orifice52. In one embodiment, locking component 1030 comprises one or morebeveled leading edges 1080 to facilitate insertion of locking component1030 into an orifice 52. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 22A, lockingcomponent 1030 comprises a top surface 1082 and a bottom surface 1084that are oriented substantially perpendicular to the long axis ofretention clip 1020; however, other orientations may be utilized. In oneembodiment, retention clip 1020 comprises a pivot pin orifice 1022 therethrough, extending from a front surface 1050 thereof to a back surface(not shown) thereof. In one embodiment, pivot pin orifice 1022 comprisesa substantially tubular structure having a substantially fixed innerdiameter.

In one embodiment, a retention clip support 1090 of jumper tubeconnection assembly 1010 comprises a structure adapted to partiallycontain retention clip 1020. In one embodiment, retention clip support1090 comprises a single component, while in other embodiments (notshown), retention clip support 1090 may comprise a plurality ofinterconnected or otherwise cooperating components. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 22B, retention clip support 1090 comprises an exterior endsurface 1032 adapted to be contacted with and affixed along a portion ofthe exterior of a shunt tube 140 (see FIG. 21B).

In the embodiment of FIG. 22B, retention clip support 1090 comprises anexterior front surface 1034 comprising a front pivot pin orifice 1036.In the embodiment of retention clip support 1090 depicted in a cutawayview in FIG. 22C, a back pivot pin orifice 1038 can be seen extendingfrom a back surface of retention clip support 1090 (not shown) therethrough into a hollowed-out interior section 1040 of retention clipsupport 1090. In one embodiment, the diameters or front pivot pinorifice 1036 and back pivot pin orifice 1038 are substantiallyconsistent there through and/or substantially equal. In one embodiment,front pivot pin orifice 1036 and back pivot pin orifice 1038 are alignedsuch that a pivot pin 1028 (partially shown in FIG. 21A) can be extendedthrough exterior front surface 1034, through interior section 1040, andthrough the back exterior surface (not shown) of retention clip support1090.

In one embodiment depicted in FIG. 23A (in cutaway view), retention clip1020 may be positioned partially within retention clip support 1090,whereby the proximal end 1024 of retention clip 1020 extends upwardthrough a slot 1042 of retention clip support 1090 (see FIG. 22B), thedistal end 1026 retention clip 1020 extends downward throughhollowed-out interior section 1040 and beyond a bottom a bottom edge1044 of retention clip support 1090, and wherein a pivot pin 1028 can beinserted through front pivot pin orifice 1036, through a retention clip1020 pivot pin orifice 1022, and through the back exterior surface (notshown) of retention clip support 1090 via back pivot pin orifice 1038.In one embodiment, the outer diameter of pivot pin 1028 is sized suchthat, when it is inserted through retention clip support 1090, contactthereof with at least a portion of the interior surface of front pivotpin orifice 1036 and at least a portion of the interior surface of backpivot pin orifice 1038 provides a snug fit there between. In oneembodiment, the diameter of pivot pin orifice 1022 is nominally greaterthan the diameters of front pivot pin orifice 1036 and back pivot pinorifice 1038, thereby allowing retention clip 1020 to pivot about aninserted pivot pin 1028 in a plane substantially perpendicular to thelong axis of pivot pin 1028.

In one embodiment, retention clip support 1090 comprises a biasing meanschannel 1046. (See FIG. 22C). In one embodiment, a biasing means 1048 isinsertable at least partially within biasing means channel 1046, asshown in FIG. 22a and a more detailed view thereof depicted in FIG. 23B.In one embodiment, such a biasing means 1048 comprises a compressible(tension) spring, such as a coil spring, also known as a helical spring,although other compressible devices or materials capable of performingthe same function, including but not limited to, natural or syntheticrubber comprising components, may be employed.

In one embodiment shown in detail in FIG. 23B, biasing means 1048comprises a spring 1052 and a spring cover 1054 (collectively springassembly 1056). In one embodiment, spring cover 1054 comprises acomponent adapted and configured to communicate biasing force fromspring 1052 to a retention clip 1020 inner surface 1058 (only a portionof which is visible in FIG. 23A) which faces shunt tube 140 when jumpertube connection assembly 1010 is installed thereupon. In one embodiment,spring cover 1054 comprises 304L stainless steel or 316L stainlesssteel. In one embodiment, spring cover 1054 comprises an elongatedcomponent comprising a first end transverse diameter 1060 adapted andconfigured to allow a portion thereof to fit at least partially withinan inner opening 1062 of a helical spring 1052, and a second endtransverse diameter 1064, that is greater than the transverse diameter1078 of inner opening 1062, and is adapted and configured to retain aportion of spring cover 1054 without inner opening 1062 of a helicalspring 1052, as shown in FIG. 23B. In one embodiment, spring cover 1054comprises a bias communication end surface 1066 that is adapted andconfigured to communicate force from spring 1052 (via spring cover 1054)to a portion of the retention clip 1020 between distal end 1024 ofretention clip 1020 and pivot pin orifice 1022. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 23B, a bias communication end surface 1066 of spring cover 1054comprises a rounded geometry, however the invention is not so limitedand other geometries, including but not limited to a substantiallyplanar geometry, may be employed, as would be understood by one skilledin the art.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 23A, positioning of a biasing means 1048at least partially within biasing means channel 1046, and a retentionclip 1020 at least partially within retention clip support 1090, whereina pivot pin 1028 may be inserted through pivot pin orifice 1022 andthrough at least a portion of front pivot pin orifice 1036 and at leasta portion of back pivot pin orifice 1038, provides a jumper tubeconnection assembly 1010 wherein retention clip 1020 is biased bybiasing means 1048 such that proximal end 1024 is biased away fromexterior end surface 1032, and distal end 1026 is biased toward exteriorend surface 1032.

Method

FIG. 26 depicts an exemplary method 1200 for utilizing an embodiment ofjumper tube connector assembly 1010 of the present invention comprisingthe following steps:

A jumper tube connection assembly preparation step 1210 comprisingproviding an aligned pair of shunt tubes, such as shunt tubes 140,wherein each shunt tube is equipped with at least one jumper tubeconnection assembly, such as jumper tube connection assembly 1010,wherein each jumper tube connection assembly is attached to a shunt tube140 exterior via affixation thereto of a jumper tube connection assemblyretention clip support, such as retention clip support 1090, each jumpertube connection assembly comprises a retention clip, such as retentionclip 1020, that is at least partially contained within the retentionclip support and restrained therein by a pivot pin, such as pivot pin1028, and which comprises a locking component, such as locking component1030, and a biasing means, such as biasing means 1048, which biases thelocking component toward the shunt tube.

A jumper tube connector assembly provision step 1220 comprisingproviding a jumper tube, such as jumper tube 30, equipped with a pair ofjumper tube connectors, such as jumper tube connector 50, eachcircumferentially engaged with the jumper tube at either end thereof,whereby the jumper tube and jumper tube connectors are axially alignedwith and disposed between the aligned shunt tubes.

A jumper tube connector assembly installation step 1230 comprisingapplying a biasing force to each retention clip so that the lockingcomponent thereof is moved away from the shunt tube, while providingeach jumper connector into circumferential sealing engagement with ashunt tube, whereby removal of the biasing force provides the lockingcomponent of each retention clip into at least partial engagement withan orifice, such as orifice 52, of the proximate jumper connector.

Method 1200 is merely exemplary, and additional embodiments of a methodof utilizing a jumper tube connection assembly 1010 of the presentinvention consistent with the teachings herein may be employed. Inaddition, in other embodiments, one or more of these steps may becombined, repeated, re-ordered, or deleted, and/or additional steps maybe added. For example, in one embodiment, one or both of the jumperconnectors may be provided separately from the jumper tube and slidinglyengaged with a shunt tube, whereupon the jumper tube is provided andeach jumper connector already fluidly engaged with a shunt tube isslidingly fluidly engaged with the jumper tube. In addition, one or moreretention clip frames may be integral with a shunt tube or attached toor integral with a shunt tube bracket or shunt tube housing, asdescribed above.

Operation

Various stages of employment of an embodiment of a jumper tubeconnection assembly 1010 are shown by FIGS. 24A, 24B, 25A, and 25B. Asshown in FIG. 24A, affixation of exterior end surface 1032 of jumpertube connection assembly 1010 to the exterior of a shunt tube 140proximate and end 160 thereof provides retention clip 1020 in an initialposition, wherein the distal end 1026 of retention clip is biased towardshunt tube 140 and wherein proximal end 1024 of retention clip 1020 isbiased away from shunt tube 140. In one embodiment, such bias providesan initial position wherein an engagement edge 1068 of locking component1030 is disposed proximate or in contact with the exterior surface ofshunt tube 140.

As shown in FIG. 24B, forced movement of proximal end 1024 of retentionclip 1020 toward shunt tube 140 (and/or forced movement of distal end1026 of retention clip 1020 away from shunt tube 140) compresses biasingmeans 1048 and causes retention clip 1020 to pivot about pivot pin 1028,whereby engagement edge 1068 of locking component 1030 is moved awayfrom the exterior surface of shunt tube 140. As long as such force toretention clip 1020 is maintained, jumper tube connection assembly 1010will remain in this “disengaged” position.

As shown in FIG. 25A, movement of the proximal end 120 of a jumperconnector 50 in the direction of end 160 of shunt tube 140 andeventuating in circumferential engagement of jumper connector 50 withshunt tube 140 (as described above with regard to jumper tube connectionassembly 10) with the jumper tube connection assembly 1010 in thedisengaged position, provides a portion of jumper connector 50 betweenthe exterior surface of shunt tube 140 and the engagement edge 1068 oflocking component 1030. As can be seen in FIG. 25A, in this position ajumper connector 50 orifice 52 may be substantially vertical alignedwith, and proximate to, locking component 1030 of retention clip 1020.

As shown in FIG. 25B, removal of the force being applied to retentionclip 1020 to maintain jumper tube connection assembly 1010 in thedisengaged position results in biasing means 1048 acting on retentionclip 1020 whereby distal end 1026 of retention clip 1020 is forcedtoward jumper connector 50, and more specifically, locking component1030 is forced toward orifice 52, which eventuates in locking component1030 being at least partially inserted into orifice 52. Disposition of aportion of locking component 1030 into orifice 52 prevents longitudinalmovement of jumper connector 50 with respect to shunt tube 140. Whendisengagement of jumper connector 50 from shunt tube 140 is desired,force is one again applied as described above to force locking component1030 away from shunt tube 140 (and now away from jumper connector 50),whereby the portion of locking component 1030 inserted into orifice 52is withdrawn therefrom, and jumper connector 50 may be slidinglydisengaged from shunt tube 140.

In one embodiment, aligned shunt tubes 140, such as depicted in FIG. 3,may each be equipped with a jumper tube connection assembly 1010,whereby installation of two jumper connectors 50 sealing engaged aroundthe opposite ends of a jumper tube 30 may be accomplished by applyingforce to each retention clip 1020 to provide each locking component 1030in a disengaged position, slidingly moving the jumper connectors awayfrom each other until each jumper connector 50 circumferentially engagesa shunt tube 140, and then removing the force from each retention clip920, whereby distal end 1026 of each retention clip 1020 is forcedtoward a proximate jumper connector 50, and more specifically, eachlocking component 1030 is forced toward a proximate orifice 52, whicheventuates in locking components 1030 being at least partially insertedinto respective orifices 52, which restricts longitudinal movement ofeach jumper connector 50 in a direction toward the distal end 1026 ofthe proximate retention clip 1020.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described andillustrated, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the artwithout departing from the teachings of the invention. Descriptions ofembodiments are exemplary and not limiting. The extent and scope of theinvention is set forth in the appended claims and is intended to extendto equivalents thereof. The claims are incorporated into thespecification. Disclosure of existing patents, publications, and knownart are incorporated herein by reference to the extent required toprovide details and understanding of the disclosure herein set forth.

We claim:
 1. A jumper tube connection assembly for shunt tubeconnection, comprising: a retention clip; a retention clip frame; and abiasing means; wherein: said retention clip comprises a beveled surfaceand a locking surface; said retention clip is disposed at leastpartially within said retention clip frame; said retention clip frame isattachable to the exterior of a first substantially tubular component;said retention clip frame comprises a guard component proximate a firstend thereof, wherein said guard component restrains said retention clipat least partially within said retention clip frame; said retention clipframe comprises a bottom stop disposed proximate a second end thereof,wherein said bottom stop substantially prevents movement of saidretention clip in the direction of said retention clip frame second end;said biasing means is at least partially disposed within a first endportion of said guard component and biases a portion of a retention clipproximate, a first end thereof, toward a second end portion of saidguard component; said biasing means restrains said retention clip in aninitial position in relation to said retention clip; said retention clipdisposed in said initial position is pivotable at least partially withinsaid retention clip frame in response to a force applied against saidbeveled edge by a first end of a second substantially tubular componentbeing advanced into sliding circumferential engagement with said firstsubstantially tubular component; and advancement of said secondsubstantially tubular component into sliding circumferential engagementwith said first substantially tubular component such that a second endof said second substantially tubular component is disposed between saidfirst end of said retention clip and said locking surface allows saidretention clip to be forced by said biasing means back into said initialposition, whereby said locking surface prevents longitudinal movement ofsaid second substantially tubular component in the direction of saidretention clip frame second end.
 2. The jumper tube connection assemblyof claim 1, wherein said retention clip comprises a recess adapted andconfigured such that a portion of said second end portion of said guardcomponent is disposable therein.
 3. The jumper tube connection assemblyof claim 1, wherein said biasing means comprises a spring.
 4. The jumpertube connection assembly of claim 1, wherein a bottom surface of asecond end of said retention clip comprises a step adapted andconfigured to engage a portion of said retention clip frame bottom stop.5. The jumper tube connection assembly of claim 1, wherein saidretention clip comprises a connector stop disposed between said lockingsurface thereof and said first end thereof, wherein said connector stopis adapted and configured to prevent movement of said secondsubstantially tubular component in the direction of said first end ofsaid retention clip.
 6. The jumper tube connection assembly of claim 1,wherein said locking surface comprises a groove.
 7. The jumper tubeconnection assembly of claim 1, wherein said retention clip frame isattached to or integral with the exterior of said first substantiallytubular component.
 8. A method for connecting shunt tubes, comprising:providing a jumper tube connector assembly longitudinally intermediatetwo said shunt tubes to be connected, wherein: said jumper tubeconnector assembly comprises: a jumper tube; and two jumper connectors,each comprising a first end and a second end; wherein: the first end ofa one jumper connector is circumferentially slidingly engageable arounda first end of said jumper tube; the first end of the other jumperconnector is circumferentially slidingly engageable around a second endof said jumper tube; and affixed, directly or indirectly, to theexterior of at least a first said shunt tube is one or more jumper tubeconnection assemblies; wherein: at least one said jumper tube connectionassembly comprises: a retention clip; a retention clip frame; and abiasing means; wherein: said retention clip comprises a beveled surfaceand a locking surface; said retention clip is disposed at leastpartially within said retention clip frame; said jumper tube connectionassembly is affixed to the exterior of one said shunt tube via saidretention clip frame; said retention clip frame comprises a guardcomponent proximate a first end thereof, wherein said guard componentrestrains said retention clip at least partially within said retentionclip frame; said retention clip frame comprises a bottom stop disposedproximate a second end thereof, wherein said bottom stop substantiallyprevents movement of said retention clip in the direction of saidretention clip frame second end; said biasing means is at leastpartially disposed within a first end portion of said guard componentand biases a portion of said retention clip, proximate a first endthereof, toward a second end portion of said guard component; saidretention clip is pivotable at least partially within said retentionclip frame in response to a force applied against said beveled edge byan end of a jumper connector being advanced into sliding circumferentialengagement with the shunt tube to which said retention clip frame isaffixed; and said locking surface is adapted and configured to contactthe second end of a jumper connector that is circumferentially engagedwith said first shunt tube; and installing said jumper tube connectorassembly by sliding into circumferential engagement the second end of afirst jumper connector with an end of said first shunt tube, and slidinginto circumferential engagement the second end of the other jumperconnector with an end of the other shunt tube; wherein: the second endof said first jumper connector is advanced into contact with saidbeveled surface, thereby forcing said retention clip to pivot at leastpartially within said retention clip frame, said pivoting comprisingmovement of said retention clip second end in a direction away from saidfirst jumper connector; and said first jumper connector is advanced to aposition whereby the first end thereof is disposed between said lockingsurface and the second end of said first jumper connector, therebyallowing said retention clip to reversingly pivot, said reverse pivotingbeing at least in part due to biasing of said biasing means against saidportion of said first end of said retention clip, and comprisingmovement of said retention clip second end in a direction toward saidfirst jumper connector; whereby: longitudinal movement of the firstjumper connector along the shunt tube in a direction away from saidfirst end of said retention clip, beyond said locking surface, isprevented by said locking surface; and longitudinal movement of saidretention clip in a direction away from said first end of said retentionclip frame, beyond said bottom stop, is prevented by said bottom stop.9. The method of claim 8, wherein said retention clip comprises a recessadapted and configured such that a portion of said second end portion ofsaid guard component is disposable therein.
 10. The method of claim 8,wherein said biasing means comprises a spring.
 11. The method of claim8, wherein a bottom surface of a second end of said retention clipcomprises a step adapted and configured to engage a portion of saidretention clip frame bottom stop.
 12. The method of claim 8, whereinsaid retention clip comprises a connector stop disposed between saidlocking surface thereof and said first end thereof, wherein saidconnector stop is adapted and configured to prevent movement therebeyond of a jumper connector in the direction of said first end of saidretention clip.
 13. A jumper tube connection assembly for shunt tubeconnection, comprising: a retention clip; a retention clip support; apivot pin; and a biasing means; wherein: said retention clip comprises alocking component proximate a first end thereof; said retention clip isdisposed at least partially within said retention clip support; saidpivot pin extends transversely through said retention clip; said pivotpin is disposed at least partially within at least a portion of saidretention clip support; said retention clip is pivotable about saidpivot pin; said retention clip support is attachable, via an edgethereof, directly or indirectly, to the exterior of a firstsubstantially tubular component; said biasing means is disposed at leastpartially within said retention clip support; said biasing meanscontacts a portion of a second end of said retention clip, therebybiasing said retention clip second end away from said retention clipsupport edge, and biasing said locking component in the oppositedirection; said locking component is adapted and configured to engage anorifice in the exterior of a second substantially tubular componentcircumferentially engaged around said first substantially tubularcomponent; thereby preventing disengagement of said second substantiallytubular component from said first substantially tubular component. 14.The jumper tube connection assembly of claim 13, wherein said biasingmeans comprises a spring.
 15. The jumper tube connection assembly ofclaim 13, wherein said retention clip support is attached to, directlyor indirectly, or integral with, the exterior of said firstsubstantially tubular component.
 16. The jumper tube connection assemblyof claim 13, wherein said locking component comprises at least onebeveled surface.
 17. A method or connecting shunt tubes, comprising:providing a jumper tube connector assembly longitudinally intermediatetwo said shunt tubes to be connected, wherein: said jumper tubeconnector assembly comprises: a jumper tube; and two jumper connectors,each comprising a first end and a second end; wherein: the first end ofa one jumper connector is circumferentially slidingly engageable arounda first end of said jumper tube; the first end of the other jumperconnector is circumferentially slidingly engageable around a second endof said jumper tube; and affixed, directly or indirectly, to theexterior of at least a first said shunt tube is one or more jumper tubeconnection assemblies; wherein: at least one said jumper tube connectionassembly comprises: a retention clip; a retention clip support; a pivotpin; and a biasing means; wherein: said retention clip comprises alocking component proximate a first end thereof; said retention clip isdisposed at least partially within said retention clip support; saidpivot pin extends transversely through said retention clip; said pivotpin is disposed at least partially within at least a portion of saidretention clip support; said retention clip is pivotable about saidpivot pin; said retention clip support is attached via an edge thereof,directly or indirectly, to the exterior of said first shunt tube; saidbiasing means is disposed at least partially within said retention clipsupport; said biasing means contacts a portion of a second end of saidretention clip, thereby biasing said retention clip second end away fromsaid retention clip support edge and biasing said locking componenttoward said first shunt tube; said locking component is adapted andconfigured to engage an orifice in the exterior surface of a jumperconnector circumferentially engaged around said first shunt tube;thereby preventing disengagement of the jumper connector from said firstshunt tube; installing said jumper tube connector assembly by slidinginto circumferential engagement the second end of one jumper connectoraround an end of one shunt tube, and sliding into circumferentialengagement the second end of the other jumper connector around an end ofthe other shunt tube; wherein: a force is applied to said retention clipwhereby said retention clip pivots about said pivot pin and said lockingcomponent is moved away from said first shunt tube; the second end of afirst jumper connector comprising at least one orifice in the exteriorsurface thereof proximate said second end thereof is then advanced intocircumferential engagement around said first shunt tube; whereby aportion of said first jumper connector comprising one said orifice isdisposed between said first shunt tube and said locking component; andsaid force is then removed from said retention clip, thereby allowingsaid retention clip to reversingly pivot, said reverse pivoting being atleast in part due to biasing of said biasing means against said portionof said second end of said retention clip, and comprising movement ofsaid locking component in a direction toward said first jumperconnector; whereby: said locking component at least partially engagessaid one said jumper connector orifice, thereby preventing longitudinalmovement of said first jumper connector along said first shunt tube. 18.The method of claim 17, wherein said biasing means comprises a spring.19. The method of claim 17, wherein said force is applied to said secondend of said retention clip in a direction toward said edge thereof. 20.The method of claim 17, wherein said locking component comprises atleast one beveled surface.